A recent study found that dating violence is prevalent among tweens, adolescents between the ages of 11 and 14. The research found:

• 1/2 of tweens have been or are in romantic relationships
• 1/2 of teen girls with prior relationship experience report being victims of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse
• 1 in 5 American tweens who have been in a relationship reported knowing a friend who had been struck in anger by a boyfriend or girlfriend
• More than 1/2 of teens who had sex before the age of 14 experienced high rates of violence or abuse in relationships

Break the Cycle works with tweens, bringing them preventive education, opportunities for activism and safer institutions. We believe all people, regardless of age, have the right to safe and healthy relationships.

-Published on March 7, 2008